Wireless Mobile Phone Antenna Info
An Intro To External Cellular Phone Antennas
Being able to talk on a handheld device, without wires, across the world is truly a great chievement in technology. Few people stop and think about this minor miracle. However, when you're stuck somewhere unable to make a call because of a poor cell signal, your appreciation for this technology can be tested.
Unfortunately, cellular service providers like Cingular, Sprint, Verizon, T-Mobile, etc. have yet to create the perfect, seamless wireless network that covers every inch of the world. There are numeours small and large pockets where their radio signal is weak or non existent. For most people, it's not a big concern. However many have come to rely more and more on their wireless mobile phone and being able to make a good connection is a high priority. Some have even eliminated their land line phones in favor of their wireless service. These users may at times require help getting a better cellular signal. That's where an external cell phone antenna can help.
What is an external cell phone antenna?
Simply, an external cell phone antenna is an antenna tuned to electromagnetic waves (also referred to as radio waves) that can be physical attached, via a coax cable, to your cellular phone. Cellular signal waves can be sent and received from your cell phone to your cellular service provider's towers via an external antenna.
Why would I want to connect an external antenna to my wireless cell phone?
Or, put another way, why would I want to take a wireless phone and tether it to an antenna? As mentioned above, sometimes you find yourself in an area with little or no signal. The inconvenience of an external antenna is offset by being able to make a cellular connection in weak or no signal areas. They can also reduce dropped calls, improve sound quality and improve talk and standby times between a cell phone's battery charges by providing a stronger signal to your phone.
Great for cell phones but can I improve wireless broadband service (HSDPA, UMTS, EV-DO, EDGE, GSM/GPRS, etc) offered by cellular companies?
Several wireless service providers now offer wireless broadband service for high speed Internet connections using technologies like HSDPA, UMTS, EV-DO, EDGE, GSM/GPRS, etc. They communicate on the same range of frequencies as voice services. Many Data Cards offer a way to connect an external antenna to them thus enabling you to improve the reception and speed of your PC Card broadband connection.
How do I connect an external antenna to my wireless device?
Many of today's wireless mobile phones are equipped with RF ports which enable you to connect an external antenna to your phone. RF ports may be located on the back, bottom, top or side of your cell phone. Unfortunately some phones have no port that would enable to attach an external antenna to. Here are some standard adapter locations.
Many of the new Data Cards for broadband connections (EV-DO, EDGE, GSM/GPRS, etc) also have ports that enable you to connect an external antenna to.
What is meant by antenna dB gain?
dB gain usually refers to power gain. Since antennas do not generate power, dB gain is used to measure an antenna's ability to focus energy in space.
0 dB gain antenna radiates more energy higher in the vertical plane to reach radio communication sites that are located in higher places. Therefore they are more useful in mountainous and metropolitan areas with tall buildings. A 3 dB gain antenna is the compromise in suburban and general settings. A 5 dB gain antenna radiates more energy toward the horizon compared to the 0 and 3 dB antennas to reach radio communication sites that are further apart and less obstructed. Therefore they are best used in deserts, plains, flat lands, and open farm areas.
Omni Directional Antennas
Helpful Reading : Be sure and read our Antenna Advice section for help in selecting an external antenna. Also Read Me: Attaching an antenna to your phone
Thirsty for more antenna info?
More reading on Basic Antenna Concepts can be found on Radial/Larsen's web site at: http://www.radialllarsen.com/techref_antbasicconcepts.html